Pickle Palace — Restaurant in Cedar Rapids

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pickle Palace in Cedar Rapids, and it's safe to say that this swanky new restaurant has left a lasting impression on my taste buds. From the moment you step inside, the eclectic atmosphere sets the stage for a culinary adventure.

Ambiance: The interior of Pickle Palace is a delightful blend of modern chic and swanky charm! Love the ability to grab drinks and dinner with friends before or after playing some pickle ball. I can't wait until the 3rd floor opens for duck pin bowling and the outside options. This is sure to be a staple place for me this summer!!

Gooey Cake Dessert: The highlight of our dining experience was undeniably the ooey gooey dessert. This indulgent treat is a symphony of flavors and textures, with a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Each bite is a heavenly experience, leaving you craving more. It's a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Green Goddess Salad: For those seeking a lighter option, the Green Goddess Salad is a refreshing choice. Packed with all the "good for you stuff"-,grains, cauliflower, avocados, and a zesty dressing, it's a testament to the chef's commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The combination of flavors in this salad is both satisfying and invigorating.

Service: The staff at Pickle Palace is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, offering helpful recommendations and ensuring our dining preferences were accommodated. When we had an issue with an incorrect drink it was fixed quickly and they checked back to make sure the next one...

Order the cheese bites: light and crispy, very sharable. Not the usual mozzarella stick in too much crunchy coating. Twosomes, families, and larger groups have seating options. Twice in two weeks I lunched at Pickle Palace. Everyone at both outings was happy with their food and drinks orders. On a Sunday, I met a group of about eight pickle ball players after they played. We ordered a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and sides plus a few cocktails and beers. My deep-fried pickles and cheese bites were a big hit. Both apps were crispy butbwith light batter, and not greasy. Our server was attentive even though the restaurant was busy with family groups and we gabbed, ate, and watched Iowa women's basketball for two hours (FYI lots of TVs strategically placed but unobtrusive). On a Tuesday, I met one friend for lunch. Our server, also the bartender, provided the perfect balance of attentiveness and leaving us alone to catch up on conversation. My friend's thick, grilled brisket sandwich with waffle fries looked fabulous; she said it was. The chicken salad sandwich I ordered was tasty, if a little too smokey. The potato salad was unconventionally smokey with small diced potatoes in a very creamy dressing. I'd order both again, but not together. Our server refilled our sodas several times without us having to ask. The restaurant has high ceilings, lots of natural light, and a variety of seating from big booths to long high-top tables and lower four-tops. The tile floors are gorgeous -- and so is the...

This review is primarily about the Rooftop Pub and Lounge. The indoor pickleball courts and staff there were fine. We enjoyed the use of those facilities. After we finished playing for 3 hours, our group of 4 went to the Rooftop Pub to have dinner. This is where things went south. Our waitress was an Indian American lady who was a horrible waitress. I don't recall her name (likely because she never told us). This was the evening of August 6, 2025. FYI, I am also of Indian American descent. She lacked the capacity to smile. Her flat affect was only outdone by her uncaring attitude. We ordered drinks first. She left and returned with only one drink--no explanation, no information, no apology for the delay. She disappeared for about 10 minutes and when she returns, I asked her about our drinks, she says something to the effect of "I can only bring it over once it's poured." Again, no apology, no smile, no courtesy. Zero soft skills. I should have requested another waitress at this point. However, her tip was decreasing by the second. She finally brings the rest of our drinks. Then, she takes our food orders and drops them off with the same uncaring attitude. This waitress needs to be fired (preferred) or shown the proper way to wait on a table. Horrible! Ruined an otherwise wonderful outing! Pickleball Palace management, do a better job of hiring competent staff for your...